Pandemic Influenza: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Influenza viruses responsible for causing pandemics are influenza A viruses which emerge as a result of a process called "antigenic shift” causing sudden, major change in certain proteins on the surface of the influenza A virus. This change is great enough that the body’s immune system finds the new virus unrecognizable. Unlike seasonal or epidemic flu—which causes mortality mainly in elderly or sick subjects—pandemic flu kills young, healthy adults with strong immune systems. The 1919 Spanish flu pandemic killed 20–100 million people—a much greater lethality than WWI. This was caused by a type of H1N1 virus. The virus currently originating in Mexico is also an H1N1, which has mutated to a form never seen before. A vaccine has not been developed for this new virus and there is no certainty that existing flu vaccines will provide protection.

Much of the severity of pandemic flu may result from over-reactivity of the immune system, a process known as ‘cytokine storm’ which results in severe lung damage and ultimately necrolysis of the vital organs. In this situation it is vital to avoid immune stimulants such as Echinacea or Immune Support which are so valuable in epidemic and sporadic influenza. Honey should not be used for the same reason. Turmeric is the ideal herb to use in this situation since it will both fight the virus and calm the immune response. Tulsi and neem will be valuable for the same reasons.

DO

At the first sign of flu, stay home, fast, drink plenty and consult a doctor

Stock up immediately on food, drinking water, and Ayurvedic herbs. In a pandemic situation, there will be store closures and supply issues

Have a supply of candles, matches and ready-to-eat foods. There might be power grid disruptions due to lack of workers

Have a supply of cash. There may be bank closures or transportation issues

Have a supply of antiseptic substances to sanitize your home and office (e.g. peroxide, tea tree oil)

Sanitize telephones and keyboards. Viruses can survive for a long while outside the body

Have a supply of facial tissues and pedal bins for their disposal

Get a mask to use when you go out. Get it now

Use a mask when nursing, tending or assisting someone who is coughing or sneezing

Avoid mass gatherings

If you feel sick, take zinc lozenges

If you feel sick, drink turmeric and tulsi tea

Get myrrh or boswellia to burn for fumigating your home

Fumigate your home daily

Practice agnihotra to help purify your home

Use your own pen. Some folks chew pens or may not have washed their hands before use

DON’T directly touch door handles in public bathrooms. Use a paper towel.DON’T go near people who are coughing or sneezing.DON’T go out and about if you are coughing and sneezing.DON’T eat junk food or white sugar—it will predispose you to get sick.DON’T take immune stimulants if you are sick. These include Echinacea, honey and chocolate.DON’T use telephones used by others—unless you sanitize the mouthpiece and wash your hands after use.DON’T use pens used by others (e.g. at the bank or grocery store).

Knowledge is power. The more we know about how to prevent and manage pandemic flu, the better we can help ourselves and others. Ignorance breeds fear and panic. Epidemics remind us of impermanence and help us become aware of what truly matters. Please use this article to be prepared, act wisely, and come from love, not fear. We can use this opportunity to pull together and develop community, altruism, and sharing of our gifts.

Food Combining Guidelines

Remember to allow three hours between meals for digestion to complete itself and to avoid toxic buildup in your tissues.

FRUITS are incompatible with:
Meat
Fish
Eggs
Yogurt
Legumes
Starches
Cheese
Vegetables
Melons* Fruits are incompatible with other foods because they require a different metabolic pathway. One should allow at least one hour digestion time for fruit before partaking of other foods.